Beginning on October 1, 2025, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), based in the U.S. and Europe, will assume responsibility for managing the renowned Q Grader program. This initiative has traditionally been spearheaded by the nonprofit organization, the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI). The financial details of this collaboration have not been disclosed publicly. Known as a rigorous certification and educational framework akin to sommelier accreditation in the wine sector, the Q Grader program certifies over 8,000 coffee professionals globally. It evaluates expertise in arabica and robusta coffee and post-harvest processing. The SCA aims to integrate its Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) system into the revamped program, replacing older cupping protocols.

The transition marks a significant development in the specialty coffee industry. Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, emphasized that this partnership signifies an important step toward enhancing coffee quality evaluation standards. The CVA-based program intends to establish a more comprehensive approach to assessing coffee value, positioning Q Graders as pivotal figures driving innovation within the global specialty coffee market.

Historically, the SCA's legacy cupping forms have played a crucial role in Q Grader training. However, dissatisfaction with the existing administration of the Q program led to the creation of a task force in 2022 to develop a new grading and cupping system. Michael Sheridan, CQI’s CEO since late 2023, expressed pride in the institute's contributions to the program over the past two decades and excitement about collaborating with the SCA to adapt the Q program to current industry needs.

A dedicated FAQ page addressing the transition has been established on the CQI website. This strategic alliance reflects both organizations' commitment to advancing coffee quality and professional standards worldwide.

As the Specialty Coffee Association assumes control of the Q Grader program, it ushers in a new era for professional coffee evaluation. By integrating the CVA system, the SCA aims to redefine modern coffee assessment practices. This evolution underscores a shared vision between the SCA and CQI to enhance global specialty coffee standards, ensuring professionals are equipped with cutting-edge tools to assess and promote exceptional coffee quality.